Ozempic® and Mounjaro®: How Weight Loss Drugs Could Affect Fertility and Pregnancy Outcomes

If you’re a sexually active woman of reproductive age taking the drugs Ozempic® or Mounjaro®, there’s something you should know–you may have an increased chance of getting pregnant.

These drugs, originally developed to manage diabetes, are now being widely prescribed for weight loss, but also come with the unexpected side effect of boosting fertility.

Ozempic® and Mounjaro®: From Diabetes Management to Weight Loss

Both Ozempic® (the brand name for Novo Nordisk’s drug semaglutide) and Mounjaro® (the brand name for Eli Lilly’s drug tirzepatide) are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists originally designed to help people with Type 2 diabetes. The injectable medications regulate insulin and lower blood sugar levels.

These drugs also suppress appetite, which makes them powerful tools for weight loss. When used exclusively for weight loss, Ozempic® is marketed under the brand name Wegovy®, while Mounjaro® goes by the brand name Zepbound®.

Increased Fertility and Reduced Effectiveness of Birth Control

Excess weight can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycle and ovulation. Women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often experience irregular periods and reduced fertility due to hormonal imbalances.

Although increasing fertility isn’t their intended purpose, Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound appear to result in women getting pregnant more easily. By helping people lose weight and improve insulin resistance, these medications can help restore hormonal balance and make ovulation more regular. Some women who struggled with fertility for years have found themselves unexpectedly pregnant—a phenomenon that coined the term “Ozempic baby.”

Another important consideration is GLP-1 drugs’ potential reduction of oral contraceptive effectiveness. This is likely because GLP-1 drugs slow down how quickly food and medications move through the stomach, which may also affect the absorption of birth control pills. If you’re not actively trying to get pregnant, talk to your Legacy Community Health provider about using additional non-oral contraceptive methods alongside birth control pills, such as condoms, the NuvaRing® or an intrauterine device (IUD).

Potential Risks During Pregnancy

Currently, there isn’t enough scientific information to know how these medications might impact a baby’s development. So if you’re taking Ozempic/Wegovy or Mounjaro/Zepbound and find out you’re already pregnant, contact your primary care physician or gynecologist right away to discuss the safest way to stop taking the drug.

Stopping these medications should always be done under medical supervision. Reach out to us for guidance and support.

Focus on Preconception Health

If you’re planning to start or add to your family, thoughtful preparation is key. Your doctor can help you create a plan tailored to your health and lifestyle needs.

Improving your overall health now can also ensure a healthier pregnancy. Consider steps such as:

• Taking prenatal vitamins to support your baby’s development
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking/vaping
• Stopping Ozempic/Wegovy or Mounjaro/Zepbound at least two months before trying to conceive to ensure the medication is out of your system (your doctor can safely transition you to other weight management or diabetes treatments if needed)

How Legacy Community Health Can Help

While Ozempic/Wegovy and Mounjaro/Zepbound offer weight loss and other health benefits, their impact on fertility emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions about your health. Whether you’re trying to prevent pregnancy, hoping to conceive, or are already happily expecting, having a knowledgeable and compassionate healthcare provider by your side is essential.

At Legacy Community Health, we’re here to support you in every step of your health journey. We offer a variety of Gynecological and Obstetric services, including:

• Contraceptive counseling
• Routine pelvic exams
• Pap smears
• Free pregnancy testing

In addition, we provide other services like Primary Care, Endocrinology, and Vaccinations & Immunizations.

Our sliding fee scale and financial assistance programs make our services accessible to everyone, regardless of income. Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges or planning for your future, we’re here to help.

To schedule an appointment or get your questions answered, visit us online or call (832) 548-5000. Our compassionate team is here year-round to help you make the best choices for your health.